Darnell Wright was a controversial selection for the [Chicago Bears](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46234416/nfl-chicago-bears-caleb-williams-accuracy) in April of 2023. Many experts felt that while the Tennessee tackle was a 1st round prospect, he wasn’t top 10. Yet GM Ryan Poles felt the mammoth blocker had the rare mix of size, feet, and athleticism to become a high-quality protector in the NFL. It was bold, especially since Poles chose to pass on Georgia standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter. People were skeptical. To his credit, Wright embraced the challenge and arrived with an outstanding work ethic from the jump.
Time might be proving Poles knew what he was doing. Though the Bears’ offense remains a work in progress, people haven’t taken the time to notice Wright’s evolution. Since week 12 of last season, he has played eight games. He has not given up a single quarterback pressure in five of them. He has allowed more than two only once, which was the loss to Seattle last year when Caleb Williams held the ball constantly. Wright had 154 snaps where he was left to block the opposing rusher one-on-one. He allowed five pressures total with no sacks.
The only drawback you can point to anymore is penalties. Wright had eight last year and two on Monday night. In fairness, one of them was a bogus holding call that replays showed was completely ridiculous. Still, he suffers from pre-snap issues that still need cleaning up. That said, everything is clicking from a blocking standpoint. Even his run-blocking improved after a mediocre rookie season. For the first time in years, it looks like a 1st round investment on the offensive line is paying off. Wright feels like the anchor around which everything should be built moving forward. If they can find a left tackle to match his ability, the Chicago Bears’ offense line will become the most formidable it’s been in decades.
